Building a New Clothing Factory—1950s to 1971

Abstract

By the end of the Second World War it was clear that the premises occupied by the Australian Government Clothing Factory in South Melbourne were no longer satisfactory or safe for the production of Army and other uniforms. It was time to review and reinvigorate the entire operation. Several working parties were appointed, none of which were ever to suggest to abolish the Factory altogether. A reorganisation involving the transfer away of the cap and canvas sections took place in 1952, but this did not deflect from the fact that the Factory had become outmoded. Further reports and cost estimates were tabled during the following years. The crucial report for the decision to build a new factory came from the Allison–Brewster inquiry of 1964. This report recognised the value of the Factory as a ‘laboratory for garment design and development’: It was driving innovation by experimenting with new techniques and designs. Once it had been decided to build a new Factory, its new location became the subject of further investigation and industry interviews. Finally, the Chaney Report of 1968, a mere four pages, settled the question and a new Factory was built in Coburg, Victoria, and officially opened on 19 April 1971.